Belief in Angels

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
Faith in the
Angels
and
People who deserve the Salaat of Allah’s Angels
and those who deserve their La’nah
Compiled by Shawana A. Aziz
Published by Quran Sunnah Educational Programs
www.qsep.com

Contents

About the Book................................................................................i

Faith in the Angels
Faith in the Angels comprises of four important issues.................05

Creation........................................................................................07

Seeing the Angels..........................................................................08

Ability to take on different forms...................................................08

Number.........................................................................................09

Dwelling.......................................................................................10

Angel’s prostration before Adam � was an honor bestowed

Status..........................................................................................10

Who are superior, sons of Adam or angels?.................................11

upon him......................................................................................12

Iblees was ordered to prostrate before Adam, though He was not

The Arab pagans worshiped Angels

an Angel........................................................................................13

The Arab pagans claimed that Angels were daughters of Allah......15

claiming them to be their intercessors with Allah..........................17

Physical Composition...................................................................19

Wings............................................................................................20

Food and Drink.............................................................................20

Great Power..................................................................................21

Great Speed..................................................................................22

Obedience to Allah........................................................................22

3 Angels of Life..............................................................................23

He who holds enmity towards an angel, is an enemy of Allah........26

Duties assigned to the Angels.................................................29

An Angel is entrusted with the Nutfah (fetus)................................31

An angel companion to inspire good deeds is assigned to

“We are nearer to him than his jugular vein...” refers to the Angels

There is no evidence to prove that the name of the angel of

Four Guardian Angels with every son of Adam..........................32

Angels keep records of your intentions too!...................................35

everybody.....................................................................................36

of Allah and does not indicate that Allah is everywhere.................37

Angels bring forth the souls of the deceased................................40

death is Azraa'eel.........................................................................41

Angels question the son of Adam in the grave..........................42

Do Angels die?..............................................................................43

Angel of Mountains.......................................................................44

Angels responsible for clouds....................................................45

Gatekeepers of Paradise and Hell-Fire..................................45

Allah has assigned nineteen Angels as guardians over Hell

as a trial.......................................................................................46

Why did Allah not send Angels as Messengers?............................49

People who deserve the Salaat of Allah’s Angels.....................53

People who sleep in a state of purity...............................59

People who stand on the right side of the Imam in the

People who keep seated at the place of Salaat

People who eagerly await the subsequent prayer..........................60

People who pray in the first row of congregation............................61

congregation.................................................................................62

People who complete the rows of congregation prayer...................63

People who perform Fajr and Asr prayers in congregation............64

after concluding it........................................................................64

People who complete the recitation of the Qur'aan........................66

People who send Salaat upon the Prophet �.................................66

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People who spend for a good cause................................................68

People who maintain their fasts even though food is served

Angels say, 'Ameen' to the Dua of those, who pray for their

People who maintain the Sunnah of Suhoor.................................69

before them...................................................................................69

People who visit their sick Muslim brethren..................................70

People who preach good to others..................................................71

absent fellow Muslim...................................................................72

Angels seek Allah's forgiveness for believers who repent................73

Unfortunate People who deserve the La’nah

of Allah’s Angels......................................................................74

People who slander the Sahabah �...............................................75

People who ascribe themselves to others besides their own

Women who abandon their husband's beds without a Sharee'ah

People who give shelter to innovators and criminals......................77

fathers...........................................................................................78

People who withhold spending in good cause................................78

reason...........................................................................................79

Jibreel has supplicated against three kinds of people...............81

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Shaikh Salih al-Fawzan (hafidahullah) writes in his treatise, al-
Eemanbil-Malaaikahwa-Athruhufi-Hayatil-Ummah,
“Belief in the Angels has a tremendous effect on human life
because if one is aware of their presence (around him), he becomes
alert.
If he knows that there are angels assigned to watch over him
day and night, he becomes cautious that they may write something
(that he says or does) which is not befitting (and not in the best
interest of his well-being in the hereafter).
If he were to know that investigators were following him,
would he not be cautious - fearing that they might take hold of some
speech or action which might lead to a harmful outcome? So why is
he not cautious of the Angels?
You see the humans who may be following you and you can
hide from them… but Angels see you while you do not see them. It is
possible to escape (from the eyes) of humans by taking cover in your
house, or hiding yourself in an unknown place and they will not
know about you. But the Angels enter every place with you. Allah
has bestowed upon them the ability to access any place that He
orders them to reach and it is for this reason that Allah admonished
us and said, “But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of
mankind) to watch you, Kiraman (honorable) Katibeen (writing
down your deeds). They know all that you do.” [Soorah al-Infitar (82): 10
12]
This is the fruit of Eeman (belief) in Angels - that the person
safeguards himself from sinful sayings and actions that will be
recorded (in his book of deeds) and he will be accountable for them
on the Day of Judgement.” [end quote]
This booklet comprehensively covers all four aspects of
Belief in Angels; belief in their existence, functions, names and
attributes. Additionally, important points of Tawheed are
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highlighted by refuting incorrect understandings, for example the
false claims of contemporary grave-worshippers that are similar to
those made by the pagan Quraish during the time of Allah’s
Messenger.
In the course of the booklet, clarification of a number of
doubts have also been included such as explaining Qur'aanic verses
like, “We are nearer to him than his jugular vein...” This refers to the
Angels of Allah and does not indicate that Allah is present amongst
His creation.
The booklet also compares the likeness in the thinking of
those who claim that Prophet was created from Nur (i.e, light,
which is a characteristic of the Angels) and the mentality of the
disbelievers who demanded that an Angel be sent as a Messenger.
The second section of the booklet enumerates
characteristics of those fortunate people, on behalf of whom the
Angels seek forgiveness and supplicate for their well-being in this
world and the Hereafter. It also lists those unfortunate people,
against whom the Angels invoke Allah. This part of the book is
mainly based upon the book, 'Fariston ka Darood panewale aur
Lanat panewale' (Urdu) by Dr. Fazl-e-Ilahi.
Numerous other original Arabic books were referred to in
the compilation of this booklet, mainly; al-Eeman bil-Malaaikah wa-
Athruhu fi-Hayatil-Ummah by Shaikh Salih Ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan,
Aalam al-Malaai'kah al-Abrar and ar-Rusul war-Risalaat by Shaikh
Umar al-Ashqar, beneficial lectures of Shaikh (Dr.) Abdullah al-
Farsi, Tafseer IbnKatheer Riyadus-Saliheen, and others.
May Allah make us amongst those who deserve the Salaat of
His Angels. All strength and success lies with Him Alone.
Shawana A. Aziz
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‫ﭚ‬‫ﭛﭜﭝ‬‫ﭞ‬‫ﭟﭠﭡ‬

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“It is not devotion to turn your face

towards the east or the West.

Rather, true devotion is

when someone believes in Allah, and the Last Day,

And the Angels, and the Books, and the Prophets.”

[Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 177]
“The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him

from his Lord, and so do the believers.

Each one believes in Allah and His Angels

and His Books and His Messengers.”

[Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 285]
In these blessed verses,

the Noble Qur'aan guides us to

the faith in Angels,

which is a basic tenet of Eeman

as is known from the lengthy Hadeeth of Jibraeel ,

in which he asked Allah's Messenger to define Eeman.

Allah's Messenger replied,

“It (Eeman) is to believe in Allah, His Angels,

His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day,

and to believe in al-Qadar - the good and the bad.”

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Faith in the
Angels
comprises of
4important issues
1. Affirming the Existence of the angels and the fact that they are a
creation of Allah and thus, subject to His Lordship and
worship.
Shaikh Salih al-Fawzan writes in his treatise, al-Eeman bil-
Malaaikah wa-Athruhu fi-Hayatil-Ummah, “Angels are a
creation of Allah, which He created for His worship, and to carry
out His commands in the universe…
They are a creation from the world of the unseen; we do not
see them but we believe in their existence with certainty
without doubt because Allah has informed us about them and
likewise, His Messenger has enlightened us about them with
definitive information that causes us to believe in them.”
Belief in angels precedes belief in the Books of Allah and His
Messengers because Allah revealed the Books to His
Messengers by means of angels. Denial of the existence of
angels leads to rejection of all the Divine Books and
consequently, everything that the Messengers were sent with.
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Also, choosing some angels to believe in over others is disbelief
like choosing some prophets over others.
Imam Ibn Katheer writes in the Tafseer of the verse, (2): 97,
“…whoever believes in one Messenger is required to believe in
all of the Messengers. Whoever rejects one Messenger, he has
rejected all of the Messengers. Similarly, Allah said, “Verily,
those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to
make distinction between Allah and His Messengers saying,
‘We believe in some but reject others,’ and wish to adopt a way
in between. They are in truth disbelievers.”
Allah decreed that they are disbelievers because they believe
in some Prophet and reject others… ‘Allah's Messengers’
includes angels and men because Allah says (in another verse),
“Allah chooses Messengers from angels and from men.” [Soorah
al-Hajj (22): 75]” [end quote]
2. Affirming the functions, duties and responsibilities of the
Angels mentioned in the Qur'aan and the Sunnah.
3. Affirming the names of those Angels that Allah
and His Messenger have informed us of.
4. Affirming the attributes of the Angels mentioned
in the Qur'aan and the Sunnah.
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Creation
Angels are a creation of Allah. They were
created from light. In Saheeh Muslim, it is
narrated from Aa'isha (radhi allahu anha)
that the Messenger of Allah said, “The
angels were created from light, the jinn were
created from smokeless fire, and Adam was
created from that which has been described
to you.”
The Messenger of Allah did not explain the
light with which the angels were created from. Hence, we
cannot indulge into discussing it as it is a matter of the
unseen concerning which no further clarification has been
narrated.
Similarly, we do not know when the angels were
created, for Allah has not informed us about it. But we do
know from the stories of Adam and Angels mentioned in
the Qur'aan and the Ahadeeth that they were surely created
before mankind. Allah says in the Qur'aan, “When your Lord
said to the angels, ‘I am placing a khalifa (i.e., mankind) on
the earth...” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 30] The fact that Allah
informed them of His Intention to create man indicates that
they already existed.
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the AngelsSeeing
“Because the Angels have bodies of light which are
of low density, mankind cannot see them;
especially since Allah has not given our eyes the
ability to see them. No one among this Ummah
has seen the angels in their true form apart from
the Messenger . He saw Jibraeel twice in the form
which Allah created him.
The texts indicate that human beings are
able to see the angels when they appear in human
forms.” [See, Aalam al-Malaai'kah al-Abrar]
Abilityto take on Different Forms
Allah has bestowed the angels with the ability to take
on different forms. He sent Jibraeel to Maryam
(19: 16-19), Ibraheem (11: 69) and Loot (11:
77) in a human form. Jibraeel used to come to
Allah's Messenger in different forms;
sometimes he came in the form of a bedouin and
sometimes in the form of Dihyah - a Sahabi who
was of a handsome appearance. Aa'isha (radhi
allahu anha) saw the Prophet placing his hand on the mane of
Dihyah al-Kalbee's horse while talking to him. When she asked
about it, he replied that it was Jibraeel and he had sent greetings
to her.” [(Hasan) Musnad Ahmad]
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Number
Angles are very great in number and none knows
their exact number except He, Who created them
as He said in the noble verse, “None knows the
hosts of your Lord except Him.” [Soorah al-Muddathir
(74): 31]
The Messenger of Allah said regarding the
number of angels in the seven heavens, “There is
no space in the seven heavens - a foot length or a
hand-span or a palm's width which does not have
an angel standing, bowing and prostrating.” [At-
Tabaree]
Jibraeel said concerning the number of angels in the
seventh heaven when Allah's Messenger inquired about it on the
night of Isra wal-Miraj, “This is al-Bayt al-Ma'moor (the Much-
Frequented House); every day seventy thousand angels pray in it,
and they never come back to it.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
It is also narrated in Saheeh Muslim about the angels that
the Messenger of Allah said, “On that Day (of Judgment), Hell will
be brought with seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be
pulled by seventy thousand angels.”
If one were to study the texts which mention the role of
angels in human life, he will realize how great their number is. From
the moment an individual is conceived in his mother's wom, until his
death and beyond, angels play a variety of roles in all stages of
human life. Moreover, angels are also assigned duties in the
functioning of the universe. [Read about duties assigned to Angels on pg. 29]
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Dwelling
The dwelling place of the angels is in the heavens.
They come down to the earth by the Command of
Allah to fulfill the tasks they are entrusted with, as
well as on special occasions such as Laylatul-
Qadr. “The night of al-Qadr is better than a
thousand months. Therein descend the angels
and the Ruh (i.e., Jibraeel) by Allah's Permission
with all Decrees.”[Soorah al-Qadr (97): 1]
Status
Angels vary in their status before their Lord. Allah
said concerning Jibraeel , “Verily, this is the Word
(this Qur'aan brought by) a most honorable
messenger [from Allah to the Prophet ]. Owner of
power, and high rank with the Lord of the
Throne…” [Soorah at-Takwir (81): 19-20]
The best of angels are those who were
present at the battle of Badr. In Saheeh al-
Bukharee, it is narrated from Rafaa'ah ibn Raafi
that Jibraeel came to the Prophet and said, “What do you think of
the people of Badr among you (i.e., those among you who were
present at Badr)?” He said, “They are among the best of Muslims” or
similar words. Jibraeel said, “The same is true about the angels
who were present at Badr.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee (7/312, hadeeth no. 3992)]
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Who are superior
sons of Adam or Angels?
There is a difference of opinion as to whether the
angels are superior to mankind as Ibn Katheer
mentions in al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah (1/58).
However, Ibn Taymiyyah suggested in Majmoo al-
Fatawa (11/350) that righteous human beings
will be better in the end; when they enter
Paradise, attain nearness to Allah, dwell in the
highest levels, are greeted by the Most Merciful,
are brought even closer, Allah manifests Himself
to them and they have the joy of looking upon His Noble Face, and
the angels will stand to serve them by the permission of their Lord.
But the angels are better at the beginning, because the
angels now are closer to Allah. They are above the things that the
sons of Adam indulge in, and they are devoted to the worship of their
Lord. Undoubtedly, at this point, their situation is more perfect than
that of mankind.
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Angel’s
prostrationbefore
Adamwas anhonorbestowed upon him
Before creating Adam , Allah informed the
angels that He will create a human being, and
when He had finished forming him, He ordered
them to prostrate before him. Allah reminds
Adam's offspring of this great honor granted to Adam
in numerous Qur'aanic verses. Allah says in Soorah al-Baqarah (2):
34, “And (remember) when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate
yourselves before Adam.’ And they prostrated…”
This prostration of the angels before Adam was a sign of
honor and respect, and out of obedience to the Command of Allah.
Qatadah commented, “The obedience was for Allah and the
prostration was before Adam. Allah honored Adam and commanded
the angels to prostrate before him.” [Tabaree (1): 512]
Some people said that this prostration was just a prostration
of greeting, peace and honor, hence Allah's statement, “And he
(Prophet Yusuf) raised his parents to the throne and they fell down
before him prostrate. And he said, ‘O my father! This is the
interpretation of my dream afore time! My Lord has made it come
true!’”[Soorah Yusuf (12): 100]
The practice of prostration was allowed for previous nations
but was abolished for us. Mu'adh � said to the Prophet
, “I visited ash-Sham and found that they used to prostrate before
their priests and scholars. You, O Messenger of Allah, are more
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�deserving of prostration.” He said, “No. If I was to command any
human to prostrate before another human, I would command the
wife to prostrate before her husband because of the enormity of his
right on her.” [See, Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
Ibleeswas ordered to prostrate
before Adam,
though he was
not an Angel

Allah says in Soorah al-Kahf (18): 50, “And
(remember) when We said to the angels,
‘Prostrate to Adam.’ So they prostrated except
Iblees (Shaytan). He was one of the jinn...”
“When Allah commanded the Angels to prostrate before
Adam, Iblees was included in this command. Although Iblees was
not an angel, he was trying and pretending to imitate the angel's
behavior and deeds, and this is why he too, was included in the
command that was addressed to the angels...” [See, Tafseer Ibn Katheer:
Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 34]
Al-Hasan al-Basree said, “Iblees was not one of the angels,
not even for a second. He was the origin of Jinn just as Adam was the
origin of mankind.” [This was narrated by Ibn Jareer with a Saheeh chain. See,
at-Tabaree (18: 506)]
Iblees refused to prostrate to Adam, and disputed with his
Lord, “(Allah) said, ‘What prevented you that you did not prostrate,
when I commanded you?”
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Iblees said, 'I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire,
and him You created from clay.” [Soorah al-A'raf (7): 11-12]
Iblees made a mistake in making this comparison because
he looked at the origin of creation and not at the honor bestowed,
i.e., Allah’s creating Adam with His Hands and blowing life into him.
Shaytan thus made a false comparison and rejected the command
of Allah, thus committing the sin of disbelief. So, “(Allah) said, ‘Get
down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get
out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced.” [Soorah al-A'raf (7):
11-13] Thus, Allah humiliated him and cast him out of His mercy and
His sacred Presence, and called him, ‘Iblees,’ symbolizing that he
had been Ablasa min ar-Rahmah (despaired of mercy) that there was
no hope of mercy for him. [See, Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
Ibn Abbas said, “Before he undertook the path of sin, Iblees
was with the angels and was called Azazil. He was among the
residents of the earth and was one of the most active worshipers and
knowledgeable persons among the angels. This fact caused him to
be arrogant. Iblees was from a species called Jinn.” [at-Tabaree (1: 502)]
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The arab pagans
claimedthat Angels were daughters of Allah
Knowledge of the Ghayb (unseen), which includes
information concerning the angels, is only known
to Allah and He does not reveal any information of
the Ghayb to anyone except to His Messengers
from amongst humans and angels as the Qur’aan
informs us, “He (Allah alone) is the Knower of the
Unseen, and He does not reveal His secrets to anyone - except to him
whom He chooses namely, a Messenger of His.” [Soorah al-Jinn (72):26
27]
Allah has restricted this information because reporting
about the Ghayb is among the signs of Prophethood. Allah revealed
many matters of the Ghayb to our Prophet Muhammad who
informed us of them, like the angels, jinn, hereafter, and the like.
It is important to mention here that even the Messenger of
Allah did not have the absolute knowledge of the Ghayb. He only
knew that which was revealed to him through revelation from Allah.
Allah says in the Qur'aan, “Say (O Muhammad ), ‘I don't tell you
that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor (that) I know the
unseen… but, I follow what is revealed to me by inspiration.’” [Soorah
al-An'am (6): 50]
Consequently, he is our one and only source of
information about the Ghayb. However, with the completion of
revelation from Allah, our source to the knowledge about the Ghayb
has ceased. We therefore, have to suffice with what has reached us
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from the Messenger about the Ghayb, and any statement made
concerning the Ghayb has to supported with proofs from the
Qur'aan and the Sunnah.
One of the reasons why people go astray while speaking
about the unseen is because they make baseless claims about the
unseen. Such was the case of the arab pagans, who made many
claims about the matters of the Ghayb without any genuine source
of information. Allah rebuked them saying, “Or have they a stairway
(to Heaven), by means of which they listen? Then let their listeners
produce some manifest proof.”[Soorah at-Tur (52): 38]
One of their false claims was that angels are females, and
that these females are daughters of Allah (Na'oudhubillah).
The Qur'aan refuted the arab pagans and pointed out that
they had no sound evidence for their claims. It is strange indeed that
they attributed daughters to Allah while they themselves hated
daughters. Allah says in Soorah as-Saffat (37): 149-156, “Now ask
them (O Muhammad), ‘Are there daughters for your Lord and sons
for them? Or did We create the angels females while they were
witnesses? Verily, it is of their falsehood that they (Quraysh pagans)
say, ‘Allah has begotten offspring or children (i.e. angels are the
daughters of Allah)?’ And, verily, they are liars! Has He (then) chosen
daughters rather than sons? What is the matter with you? How do
you decide? Will you not then remember? Or is there for you a plain
authority?”
The best manner in which the Angels are described is ‘slaves
of Allah’ and they cannot be described as males or females. Allah has
described the true status of the angels in a number of places in the
Qur'aan, “And they say, ‘The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a
son (or children).’ Glory to Him! They are but honored slaves.”[Soorah
al-Ambiya (21): 26]
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The arab pagans
worshipedAngels
claiming them to be their
intercessorswith Allah
Some arab pagans worshiped angels claiming
that angels had special status with Allah and thus,
they would intercede on their behalf with Him. They
said, “We do not worship them except that they may draw us closer
to Him (Allah).” [Soorah Az-Zumar (39): 3]
Allah says, “And they worship besides Allah things that hurt
them not, nor profit them, and they say, ‘These are only our
intercessors with Allah.’”[Soorah Yunus (10): 18]
In this verse, ‘Allah reproaches the idolaters who worshiped
others besides Allah, thinking that those gods would intercede for
them before Allah. Allah states that these gods do not harm or
benefit. They do not have any authority over anything, nor do they
own anything. These gods can never do what the idolaters had
claimed about them. This is why Allah said (next in the same verse),
“Say, Do you inform Allah of that which He knows not in the heavens
and on the earth?” Ibn Jareer said, “This means, ‘Are you telling
Allah about what may not happen in the heavens and earth?’” [See,
Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
It is worth knowing that the Arab Pagans, who worshiped
angels, also believed in and confessed the Lordship of Allah. They
worshiped Him regularly, performed pilgrimage, gave in charity and
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remembered Allah constantly. They acknowledged Allah as the
Creator, Provider, and Owner of the Universe and that all creatures
are under His Command and at His disposal. Allah says, “And
indeed if you ask them, ‘Who has created the heavens and the
earth?’ they will surely say, ‘The All Mighty, the All Knower created
them.’ [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 9]
However, this belief did not qualify them to be saved
from Hell-fire because they also worshiped the angels.
Allah's Messenger was thus, ordered to fight them because
of this ‘Shirk’. He invited them to exclude all but Allah from their
devotion and worship. He summoned them to make worship,
sacrifice, supplication and all religious actions for Allah Alone.
Today we hear excuses (very similar to those of the pagans)
from people, who direct acts of worship towards the Prophet and
dead saints. Their claims are similar to those of the arab pagans,
‘The righteous have a position with Allah and we appeal to the
saints only to intercede with Allah on our behalf.’
The only difference is that the pagans being Arabs were
aware of the Arabic language and understood the
meaning of the word, Ibadah (worship) and thus,
confessed that their acts were a form of worship to the
Angels.
The latter group, however, in their ignorance,
do not realize that by supplicating, sacrificing and
making vows to the dead, they are dedicating acts of
worship to other besides Allah, thus committing
Shirk and nullifying their statement of Islam, ‘La
ilaha illa Allah,’ which means, ‘There is none
worthy of being worshiped except Allah.’
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Physical
Composition
Angels have great physical composition like
Jibraeel who is described in the following
reports:
The Messenger of Allah said, “I saw
Jibraeel descending from heaven, and his great
size filled the space between the heaven and the
earth.” [Saheeh Muslim (no. 177)] and Abdullah ibn
Mas'ood said, “The Messenger of Allah saw
Jibraeel in his true form. He had six hundred
wings, each of which covered the horizon. There fell from his wings
jewels, pearls and rubies, only Allah knows about them.” [Musnad
Ahmad. Ibn Katheer said in al-Bidayah 1/47 that its isnad is jayyid.]
Among the greatest angels are those, who carry the Throne
of Allah. The Prophet described them in the following words, “I
have been given permission to speak about one of the angels of
Allah who carry the Throne. The distance between his ear lobes
and his shoulders is equivalent to a seven-hundred-year journey.”
[Sunan Abee Dawood]
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Wings
From the important physical characteristics of the
angels is their wings; some have two wings, some
have three or four, and some have even more than
that. Allah says in the Qur'aan, “Praise belongs to
Allah, the Bringer into being of the heavens and
the earth, the Maker of the angels into
Messengers, possessing wings - two, three and
four. He adds to creation in any way He wills.
Allah is over all things powerful.” [Soorah Fatir (35):
1] It is narrated in Saheeh al-Bukharee (8/610) that Abdullah ibn
Mas'ood said, “Muhammad saw Jibraeel with six hundred wings.”
Food & Drink
Angels are created in such a way that they do not
eat or drink. Allah has informed us that the angels
came to Ibraheem in human form and he offered
them food but they did not stretch out their hands
towards it. “And verily, there came Our
Messengers to Ibraheem with glad tidings… and
he hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf.
But when he saw their hands went not towards it
(the meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and
conceived a fear of them. They said, ‘Fear not, we have been sent
against the people of Loot.’” [Soorah Hud (11): 69]
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�
Great Power
“What indicates their (i.e., the angel’s) great
strength is that if Allah commands just one of
them, then indeed, he is able to let out an awful cry
in the world, thus destroying the creation, as
occurred with the people of Thamood, who were
seized by a loud scream. Jibraeel unleashed one
powerful scream upon them, “Verily, We sent
against them a single sayhah (awful cry), and they
became like the dry straw of fences.” [Soorah al-Qamar
(54): 31] So, their hearts ceased to function within their bodies and as
a result, they died and became like dry straw.
It was from the custom of the Arabs that when they would
settle in a place, they would gather sticks of wood and make fences to
surround their sheep and cattle. These fences would eventually dry
up and become pieces of straw. So, they became like dried-up straws
as a result of one loud cry from one of the angels.
Allah also commanded Jibraeel to raise up the towns of
the people of Loot and they were seven cities in which could be found
humans, buildings, goods and animals. He carried them on one side
of his wing and raised these cities until the (other) angels heard the
barking of dogs and the crowing of roosters. Then he overturned
them and Allah caused the earth to swallow them up. This is an
example of the mighty power of the angels.” [See, al-Eeman bil-Malaaikah
by al-Fawzan]
- 21

�
Great Speed
The greatest speed known to humans is the speed
of light, which is 186,000 miles per second but the
speed of angels is higher than that. It cannot be
measured by human standards. A questioner
would come to the Messenger and would have
hardly finished asking his question but
Jibraeel would come down from the heavens
with the reply from Allah.
to Allah
Obedience

Angels are by nature obedient servants of Allah.
The notion that angels are forced to worship
Allah and they have no choice of their own is
false. If such was true, then Allah would not have
praised the angels for their obedience in the
Qur'aan. Someone who performs an act without
his will, does not deserve praise.
It is due to their great knowledge about
Allah and fear of Him that angels do not disobey
Him. Allah says in the Qur'aan, “those who are near Him (i.e. the
angels) are not too proud to worship Him.” meaning they do not
feel proud and do not refuse to worship Him, “nor are they weary
(of His worship),” meaning they do not get tired or feel bored. “They
glorify His Praises night and day, they never slacken (to do so).”
[Soorah al-Ambiya (21): 19-21]
- 22

� �
3Angels of Life

Jibraeelisresponsiblefor bringing down
revelationwhich brings
lifeinto thehearts
“Say (O Muhammad), ‘Whoever is an enemy to
Jibraeel (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this
Qur'aan) down to your heart by Allah's Permission, confirming what
came before it [i.e. Taurat and Injeel] and guidance and glad tidings
for the believers.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 97]
Allah informs us in this verse that Jibraeel is the main
emissary entrusted with the mission to bring down the revelation.
However, seldom revelation was also brought down by other angels.
Ibn Abbas said, “Whilst Jibraeel was sitting with the Prophet , he
heard a creaking sound above him, and he raised his head. He said,
“This is a door in the heaven which has been opened today, and it
has never been opened before today, and an angel has come down
through it. This is an angel who has come down to the earth, and he
never came down before today. He (that angel) gave the greeting of
salaam and said, ‘Rejoice, for you have been granted two lights,
- 23

� �
which have not been given to any Prophet before you - the Opening
of the Book (Soorah al-Fatiha) and the closing verses of Soorah al-
Baqarah. You will not read even one letter of them but you will be
granted reward.’” [Saheeh Muslim (806)]
Mikaeelisresponsiblefor
plants& rainwhich brings
to the
lifeearthafter its death
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet said to
Jibraeel, “What is Mika'eel in charge of?” He replied, “the plants and
the rain.” [At-Tabaranee]
Ibn Katheer said in al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah (1/50),
“Mika'eel is appointed over the rain and vegetation from which is
created the provision of this world. He has helpers who do whatever
he commands them to do by the command of his Lord. They control
the winds and clouds as the Lord wills.”
- 24

�
�
�
Israfeel
isresponsiblefor blowing the
trumpet
which will bring
lifeto the
bodieson the Day of Resurrection
“And the Trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and
all who are on the earth will swoon away, except him whom Allah
Wills. Then it will be blown a second time and behold, they will be
standing, looking on (waiting).” [Soorah az-Zumar (39): 68]
Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani said, “It is well known that the one who
will blow the Trumpet is Israfeel . Al-Haleemi narrated that there
is a scholarly consensus upon this.” [Fathul-Baree (11/368)]
The Prophet has informed us that Israfeel is ever prepared to
blow the Trumpet, he said, “Since the time when the one who will
blow the Sur was appointed, his eyes are ever ready looking towards
the Throne, fearing lest the Command be issued before he blinks, as
if his eyes are two brilliant stars.” [Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah]
He also remarked, “How could I relax when the bearer of
the Trumpet has put the Trumpet to his lips and tilted his forehead,
is listening out, waiting for the command to blow the Trumpet?” The
Muslims asked, “What should we say, O Messenger of Allah?” He
said, “Say, Hasbunallah wa ni'am al-wakeel, tawakkalnaa alallahi
- 25

�
�
Rabbinaa (Allah is Sufficient for us and He is the best Disposer of
affairs, we put our trust in Allah, our Lord).” [See, Silsilah Ahadeeth as-
Saheeh (3/66, no. 1079)]
These are the three greatest angels due to the magnitude of their
duties and therefore, after waking up for prayer at night, the Prophet
would say in the opening Takbeer, “O Allah! Lord of Jibraeel,
Mika'eel and Israfeel, Originator of the heavens and the earth…”
[Saheeh Muslim (1/534, hadeeth no. 770)]
He who holds
enmitytowards an Angel,
is an enemyof Allah
A Muslim is required to love all the Angels
without discrimination because angels are
slaves of Allah and they only perform actions
that Allah has commanded them and abstain
from that which He prohibits.
As for him, who holds enmity towards any angel, then Allah
is indeed an enemy to him. Allah says in the Qur'aan, “Say (O
Muhammad ), ‘Whoever is an enemy to Jibraeel (let him die in his
fury), for indeed, he has brought it (this Qur'aan) down to your heart
by Allah's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the
Taurah and the Injeel] and guidance and glad tidings for the
believers. Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His Angels, His
- 26

�
Messengers, Jibraeel and Mika'eel, then verily, Allah is an enemy to
the disbelievers.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 97-98]
Imam at-Tabaree said, “the scholars of Tafseer agree that
this verse was revealed in response to the Jews who claimed that
Jibraeel is an enemy of the Jews and that Mika'eel is their friend.” [at-
Tabaree (2): 377]
Imam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) writes in the Tafseer of
the above verse, “whoever becomes an enemy of Jibraeel, let him
know that he is Ruh al-Quds who brought down the Glorious Dhikr
(Qur'aan) to your (i.e., Prophet Muhammad's ) heart from Allah by
His leave. Hence, he is a messenger from Allah. Whoever takes a
messenger as an enemy, will have taken all the messengers as
enemies…
This is the same with those who take Jibraeel as an enemy,
because Jibraeel did not choose missions on his own, but by the
command of his Lord, “And we (angels) descend not except by the
command of your Lord.” [Soorah Maryam (19): 64] Al-Bukharee reported
that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said, “Allah
said, “whoever takes a friend of Mine as an enemy, will have started a
war with Me.” [Fath al-Baree (11): 348]
Therefore, Allah became angry with those who
took Jibraeel as an enemy. Allah said, “Whoever is an
enemy to Allah, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibraeel
and Mika'eel, then verily, Allah is an enemy to the
disbelievers.”[Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 98]
Allah mentioned Jibraeel and Mika'eel
specifically, although they are included among the
angels who were messengers, because this verse
was meant to support Jibraeel, the emissary
between Allah and His Prophets. Allah also
mentioned Mika'eel here, because the Jews
- 27

claimed that Jibraeel was their enemy and Mika'eel was their friend.
Allah informed them that whoever is an enemy of either of them - is
also an enemy of the other as well as Allah.”
- 28

Dutiesassigned

to the

Angels

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� �
Dutiesassigned to the Angels
with regards to
humans
An Angel
entrusted with the
Nutfah(fetus)
Imam Muslim recorded in his Saheeh that Abu
Dharr said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah
say, “When forty-two nights have passed, Allah
sends an angel to the nutfah (embryo) and he
gives it shape, forming its hearing and sight, its
skin, flesh and bones. Then he says, ‘O Lord, male or
female?’ Then your Lord decrees whatever He wills and the angel
writes it down.” [Saheeh Muslim]
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Four
guardianAngels
with every son of Adam
“For each (person), there are angels in succession,
before and behind him. They guard him by the
Command of Allah.” [Soorah ar-Ra’d (13): 11]
Imam Ibn Katheer writes in the Tafseer
of the above verse, “Allah states that there are
angels who take turns guarding each servant,
some by night and some by day. These angels
protect each person from harm and accidents.
There are also angels who take turns recording the good and
evil deeds, some angels do this by day and some by night. There are
two angels, one to the right and one to the left of each person,
recording the deeds. The angel to the right records the good deeds,
while the angel to the left records the evil deeds.
There are also two angels that guard and protect each
person, one from the back and one from the front. Therefore, there
are four angels that surround each person by day and they are
replaced by four others at night, two scribes and two guards.
An authentic Hadeeth states, “Angels take turns around
you, some at night and some by day, and all of them assemble
together at the time of Fajr and Asr prayers. Then those who have
stayed with you throughout the night ascend to Allah, Who asks
them, and He knows the answer better than they about you, “How
have you left My servants?” They reply, “As we have found them
praying, we have left them praying.”[See, Fath al-Baree (13: 426)]
- 32

�
“So where are those who hold back from attending the Fajr
prayer, sleeping (instead) in their beds and not witnessing this
great event every night with the angels of the Most Merciful?...
What benefit has this person who refrains from going to the
Fajr Prayer and instead prefers sleep? What benefit has this
person who misses out on attending the Asr prayer, due to
laziness, preferring sleep or some other deed? It is stated in the
hadeeth, “Whoever misses the Asr prayer, it is as if he lost his
family and wealth.” And in another hadeeth it states: “…then he
has nullified his actions.” This means that he has taken the
prayer out of its proper time. So if he takes it out of its proper
time, he has missed it.” [See, al-Eemanbil-Malaikahby Shaikh Fawzan]
It is recorded in al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah of Ibn Katheer
(1/54) that a man said to Ali ibn Abi Talib , “A group from Muraad
wants to kill you.” He (Ali) replied, “With every man there are angels
guarding him from whatever has not been decreed for him. When
the decree comes, they move away from him and let it reach him.
Your fixed lifespan (decreed by Allah) is a protection for you.”
Therefore, so long as Allah has decreed that an individual will be safe
from harm, these angels will protect and guard him, and no human
or any other creature will be able to harm him.
However, if Allah desires to bring an end to his appointed
time, the angels that constantly surround him withdraw themselves
from him because they do not refrain from carrying out His
Command. “He is the Irresistible (Supreme), over His slaves, and He
sends guardians over you, until when death approaches one of you,
Our messengers (angel of death and his assistants) take his soul,
and they never neglect their duty.” [Soorah al-An'am (6): 61]
Allah says about the angels that are appointed to write down
the deeds of every person, “And indeed We have created man, and
- 33

We know what his own self whispers to him. And We are nearer to
him than his jugular vein. (Remember) that the two receivers
(recording angels) receive (each human), one sitting on the right and
one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she)
utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” [Soorah Qaaf
(50): 16-18] and He says in another verse, “But verily, over you (are
appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you, Kiraman
(honorable) Katibeen (writing down your deeds), They know all that
you do.” [Soorah al-Infitaar (82):10-12]
Angels in charge of recording a person's deeds thus write
down everything that he does in his life from the time he reaches the
age of puberty to the time when Allah takes his soul in death. Hence,
on the Day of Judgment, each person will find that his book of deeds
contains everything that he said or did, “And We have fastened every
man's deeds to his neck, and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall
bring out for him a book which he will find wide open. (It will be said
to him), ‘Read your book. You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner
against you this Day.’ [Soorah al-Isra (17): 13-14] ‘…the Book (of one's
Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer, and in the left
with
hand for a disbeliever), and you will see the Mujrimoon
(criminals, polytheist, sinners, etc.), fearful of that
which is (recorded) therein. They will say, “Woe to us!
What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small
thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with
numbers!” And they will find all that they did, placed
before them, and your Lord treats no one
injustice.” [Soorah al-Kahf (18): 49]
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�
�
� �
Angels
keep
recordsof your
intentionstoo!
It has been related that the angels also record a
person's intentions. This is why a person is
rewarded for having a good intention, and
sometimes bad intentions!
Imam Muslim narrated from Abu Hurayrah , who said,
“The Messenger of Allah said, ‘Allah says, ‘When My slave intends
to do an evil action, do not record it. If he does it, then write it down
as one say'ah (evil deed).
If he intends to do a good deed and does not do it, then write
down as one hasanah (good deed), and if he does it, then write it
down as ten.” [Saheeh Muslim (1/117, hadeeth no. 128)]
And in another hadeeth, “The angels says, ‘O Lord, Your
slave wants to do something bad,’ although He (Allah) Knows best
about him. So, Allah says, “Watch him. If he does it then write it
down as it is. If he does not do it, then write it down as one hasanah
for him, for he is abstaining from it because of Me.” [Saheeh Muslim]
Narrated Abu Bakrah Ath-Thaqafi , “Allah’s Messenger
said, “When two Muslims are engaged in a combat against each
other with swords, and one is killed, both are doomed to Hell.” I said,
“O Messenger of Allah! As to the one who kills, it is understood, but
why the other one?” He replied, “He was eager to kill his opponent.”
[Agreed upon]
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�
This Hadeeth leads to the conclusion that one would be punished for
such sinful intention for which he has made a firm determination,
and for the commitment of which he has adopted necessary
measures, even if he does not succeed in committing it because of
certain obstruction. Thus, determination is different from
waswaas*** (a suggestion from the devil). The latter is excusable
while one is accountable for his determination. [See, Riyadh as-Saliheen]
An Angel companion to
inspiregood deeds

is assigned for

everybody

The Messenger of Allah said, “There is no one
among you but there has been appointed for him
one qareen (companion) from among the jinn and
another from among the angels.” They said, “For
you too, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “For me
too, but Allah has helped me against him (the jinn companion) and
he has become Muslim, so he does not tell me to do anything but
good.” [Saheeh Muslim (4/2168, hadeeth no. 2814)]
Both, the angel qareen and the jinn qareen can influence
man. The former inspires good deeds and the latter insinuates evil
*** How does Shaytan lure mankind into sinful actions through waswaas (evil
whisperings and suggestions)? How does he enter the human soul, flow through the
blood ofAdam and drive it towards sins and transgression? How does he corrupt people’s
hearts and souls?
To find the answers to these baffling questions, read our booklet, “Explaining
the Tricks, Deceit and Means used by Shaytan in misguiding the children of Adam and
Ways of Protecting one’s self and our Homes from theAccursed.’
- 36

�deeds. It is narrated from Ibn Mas’ood that the Messenger of Allah
said, “The devil has a hold over the son of Adam, and the angel has a
hold over him. The hold of the devil tempts man to do evil and deny
the truth.
The hold of the angel encourages man to do good and believe
in the truth. Whoever experiences anything of this sort, let him know
that it is from Allah, and let him praise Allah.
Whoever experiences anything of the other, let him seek
refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaytan.” [See, Tafseer Ibn Katheer,
Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 268]
“We are
nearer to him than his
jugular vein...”
refers to the Angels
and does not indicate that
Allah is everywhere
Qur'aanic verses state that Allah, the Exalted is
above His Arsh (Throne) in a manner that befits
His Majesty and Glory. Allah says, “Your Rabb
(Lord) is Allah, Who created the Heavens and the
earth in six days and then rose above His Arsh (Throne), He
manages all things.” [Soorah Yunus (10): 3-4] Additional six verses of
similar words are found in the Qur'aan. Numerous other verses in
every Soorah also indicate the same, from amongst them are: “He is
irresistible, above His slaves, and He is the All-Wise, Well-
Acquainted with all things.” [Soorah al-An'am (6): 18] “To Him ascend (all)
the good words...” [Soorah Fatir (35): 10]
- 37

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
A number of Ahadeeth of Allah's Messenger also clearly
prove that Allah, the Exalted, is above his Throne and not among His
creation in essence; one amongst them is the report of Muawiyah
Ibn al-Hakam , who said, “I had a servant girl, who used to tend my
sheep in the area of mount Uhud... One day, I came to see them only
to find out that a wolf had made off with a sheep from her flock... (for
which) ...I gave her a terrible slap in her face. When I came to Allah's
Messenger with the story, he considered it to be a grave thing for
me to have done so.
I said, “O Messenger of Allah , couldn't I free her?”
He replied, “Bring her to me.” So I brought her.
He then asked her, “Where is Allah?”
She replied, “Above the sky.”
He then asked her, “Who am I?”
and she replied, “You are Allah’s Messenger .”
So, the Prophet said, “Free her for she is a true believer.”
[Saheeh Muslim (Eng. Trans.) vol. 1, p.271-272, no.1094]
One might ask about the nearness of Allah mentioned in a number
of Qur'aanic verses such as, “He is with you, wherever you are...”
[Soorah al-Hadid (57): 4]
The nearness of Allah to His slaves in similar verses refers to
His Absolute Knowledge, as is explained by Imam Ibn Katheer
(rahimahullah) in his Tafseer of the above-mentioned verse. He says,
“meaning, He is watching over you and witnessing your deeds
wherever you may be, on land or on sea, during the night or the day,
at home or in open areas or deserts. All of that is the same before His
Knowledge and all of it is under His Sight and Hearing. He hears
your speech and sees wherever you are…” Thus, the nearness
mentioned in the Qur'aanic verses is not by the Essence of Allah, but
by Knowledge.
- 38

Another verse misunderstood to mean that Allah is with His
slaves is, “And indeed, We have created man, and We know what his
own self whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular
vein.” [Soorah Qaf (50): 16]
The very next verses clarify that the intent of, 'We' in this
verse refers to the guardian angels, who record the deeds of the slave
of Allah and does not refer to Allah, Himself. “(Remember) that the
two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being), one
sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not
a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to
record it).”
Imam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) writes in his Tafseer,
“(this verse) means, His angels are nearer to man than his jugular
vein.
Those who explained, 'We' in the verse, to mean, “Our
Knowledge,” have done so to avoid falling into the idea of incarnation
or indwelling; but these two creeds are false according to the
consensus of Muslims. Allah is praised and glorified; He is hallowed
beyond what they ascribe to Him.
The words of this verse do not need this
explanation (that 'We' refers to 'Allah's Knowledge'), for
Allah did not say, “and I am closer to him than his
jugular vein.” Rather, He said, “And We are nearer to
him than his jugular vein.” Just as He said in the
case of the dying person, “But We are nearer to him
than you, but you see not.” [Soorah al-Waqi'ah (56): 85]”
- 39

�
Angels bring forth the
soulsof the deceased
Angels are in charge of capturing the souls when
the slave’s life-span is complete. Allah says, “Say,
‘The angel of death, who is set over you, will take
your souls.’ Then to your Lord you will return.”
[Soorah as-Sajdah (32): 11]
Imam Ahmad recorded a long Hadeeth
from Baraa ibn Azib, which mentions that the
angel of death has helpers. Allah's Messenger
said, “When a believing slave is reaching the end of his term in the
life of this world and the beginning of his term in the Hereafter; a
group of angels, whose faces are white and radiant as the sun, will
descend unto him from heaven. They will carry with them a white
shroud from Paradise, and fragrance from Paradise for
enshrouding.
They will sit as far from him as the sight goes. Then, the
angel of death will come until he sits right next to his head, saying,
“O good and pure soul! Depart (your body) to Allah’s forgiveness and
pleasure.” So the soul flows (out of its body), just as the drop flows
out from the tip of the jug, and the angel of death captures it. When
he captures the soul, they (the group of angels) will not leave it with
him for more than an instant…”
Imam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) quotes Mujahid under
the Tafseer of the verse 32:11, “The earth is brought together for him
(i.e., the angel of death) and it is like a platter from which he takes
whatever he wants.”
- 40

The angels take the souls of the believers with kindness and
gentleness (See, Soorah Fussilat (41): 30-31). Whereas they take the souls
of the disbelievers and sinners in a harsh and severe manner,
without gentleness or kindness, and while giving them the tiding of
Hell. (See, Soorah al-An'am (6): 93)
There is
no evidence
to prove that the
nameof the
angel of deathis Azraa’eel
Shaikh Ibn Uthaimeen (rahimahullah) said, “The
Angel of Death is well known by the name
Azraa'eel, but this is not correct. Rather, this was
narrated from Jewish sources. So we should not believe in this
name, and we should call the one who is appointed over death ‘the
angel of death (Malakul-Mawt),’ as Allah called him in the verse,
“Say, The angel of death, who is set over you, will take your souls.
Then you shall be brought to your Lord.” [Soorah as-Sajdah (32): 11]” [end
quote from Fatawa Ibn Uthaimeen (3/161)]
- 41

� �
Angels
questionthe son of Adam
in the grave
Al-Hafidh Abu Isa at-Tirmidhee recorded from
Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah
said, “When the dead or one of you is buried, two
dark and blue angels will come to him; one is
called ‘Munkar’ and the other, ‘Nakir.’
They will ask him, “What did you say
about this man (Muhammad)?” He will reply,
“What he used to say that he is Allah's servant and Messenger. I bear
witness that there is no true deity except Allah and that Muhammad
is His servant and Messenger.”
They will say, “We know that you used to say that,” and his
grave will be made larger for him to seventy forearms length by
seventy forearms width and will be filled by light for him. He will be
told, “Sleep,” but he will reply, “Let me go back to my family in order
that I tell them.” They will say, “Sleep, just like the bridegroom who is
awakened by the dearest of his family, until Allah resurrects him
from that sleep.”
If he was a hypocrite, his answer will be, “I do not know! I
heard people say something, so I used to repeat what they were
saying.” They will say, “We know that you used to say that.” The
earth will be commanded, “Come closer all around him,” and it will
come closer to him until his ribs cross each other. He will remain in
this torment, until Allah resurrects him from his sleep.” [Saheeh al-
Jamee (no. 724)]
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Do Angels
die?
Angels die just like the humans and jinn as is
known from the verse, “And the Trumpet will be
blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who
are on the earth will swoon away, except him
whom Allah Wills. Then it will be blown a second
time and behold, they will be standing, looking on
(waiting).” [Soorah az-Zumar (39): 68] The angels are
included in this verse, because they are in the
heavens.
Ibn Katheer said in his commentary on this verse, “This
(blast) will cause all living beings in the heavens and on earth to die,
except for those whom Allah wills, as is clearly stated in detail in the
famous hadeeth about the Trumpet.
Then he will take the souls of those who are left, and the last
one to die will be the angel of death. Then only the Ever-Living, Self-
Sustaining will be left, Who was the first, and Who Alone will be the
Last, Everlasting and Eternal. He will say, “Whose is the Sovereignty
today?” three times, then He will answer Himself by saying, “It is
Allah's, the One, the Irresistible.” [Soorah Ghafir (40): 16]”
Another verse, which indicates that the angels will die is,
“Everything will perish save His Face.” [Soorah al-Qasas (28): 88]
Will any of them die before the Trumpet is blown? We do not
know the answer to that, and we cannot discuss it, because there is
no text that can give us a positive or a negative answer. [See, Aalam al
Malaai'kah al-Abrar]
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The angels are also assigned a number of other tasks in the
universe and in the Hereafter, we shall mention a few.
Angel of
Mountains
Aa'isha (radhi allahu anha) asked the Prophet ,
“Have you ever faced any day more difficult than the
day of Uhud?” He said, “I suffered at the hands of
your people and the worst that I suffered was
what I suffered at their hands on the day of
Aqabah. That was when I went to call Ibn Abd
Yaalayl ibn Abd al-Kalaal to Islam, and he did
not respond.
I left feeling depressed and hardly
knowing where I was going. I did not recover until I found myself in
Qarn al-Tha’aalib. I raised my head and saw that I was being shaded
by a cloud. I looked, and saw Jibraeel in the cloud.
He called me and said, “Allah has heard what your people
said and how they responded to you. He has sent the angel of the
mountains so that you can tell him to do to them whatever you
want.”
The angel of the mountains called me and greeted me, then
said, “O Muhammad, tell me what you want me to do. If you want, I
can crush them between two mountains.”
The Prophet said, “All I hope for is that Allah will bring
forth from their loins people who will worship Allah alone and not
associate any partner with Him.” [Agreed upon]
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Angel responsible
for
clouds
“By those (angels) who drive the clouds in a good
way.” [Soorah as-Saffat (37): 2] In Saheeh Sunan at-
Tirmidhee, it is narrated from Ibn Abbas that the
Messenger of Allah said, “Ar-Ra’d is one of the
angels who is responsible for the clouds… He
drives the clouds wherever Allah wills.” [Sunan at-
Tirmidhee (3/64, hadeeth no. 2492)]
Gatekeepers
of
Paradise&
Hell
“And those who kept their duty to their Lord will
be led to Paradise in groups, till when they reach
it, and its gates will be opened (before their
arrival for their reception) and its keepers will
say, ‘Salamun Alaikum (peace be upon you)! You
have done well, so enter here to abide therein.’” [Soorah az-Zumar (39):
73] Imam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) writes, “…when they come to
the gates of Paradise, the gates will be opened for them as a sign of
honor, and the angelic keepers will meet them with glad tidings,
greetings of peace and praise.”
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Concerning the guardians of Hell-Fire, Allah says, “O you
who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell)
whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels
stern (and) severe.” These angel’s nature is stern because mercy has
been taken out of their hearts for those who disbelieve in Allah. Stern
means they are powerful, strong and frightening, “who disobey not
the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are
commanded” meaning, whatever Allah commands them, they rush
to obey Him, without delay for even a twinkling of an eye.” [See, Tafseer
Ibn Katheer for Soorah at-Tahreem (66): 6]
This eliminates the false idea that devils punish the
wrongdoers in the Hell-fire - as depicted in popular entertainment.
The guardian angel of Hell-fire, who is assigned to light the
Hellfire is named Malik. The Prophet is reported to have said, “Last
night I saw (in a dream) two men approaching me. One of them said,
“The one, who will light Hellfire is Malik, the guardian of Hell, and I
am Jibraeel and this is Mika'eel.’” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
Allah has assigned
nineteenAngels as guardians
over
Hellas a trial
There are nineteen angels guarding the Hellfire;
they preserve it, kindle it and are entrusted with
its affairs. “And what will make you know exactly
what Hell-fire is? It spares not (any sinner), nor
does it leave (anything unburnt)! Burning the skins!
Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers
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of Hell). And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire,
and We have fixed their number (19) only as a trial for the
disbelievers… and that those in whose hearts is a disease (of
hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say, ‘What does Allah intends by
this (curious) example?’ Thus, Allah leads astray whom He wills and
guides whom He wills. And none can know the hosts of your Lord
but He. And this is nothing else than a (warning) reminder to
mankind.” [Soorah al-Mudhaththir (74): 27-31]
Imam Ibn Katheer writes in his Tafseer, “It is said that Abu
al-Ashaddayn and his name was Khaladah ibn Usayd ibn Khalaf
said mockingly, “O people of Quraysh! You defend me against two of
them and I will defend you against seventeen of them.” He said this
thinking himself to be very great. For they claimed that he achieved
such strength that he would stand on a cow hide and ten people
would try to pull it out from under his feet, but the skin would be
torn to pieces and still not be removed from under him.”
Shaikh Salih al-Fawzan writes, “And We have set none but
angels as guardians of the Hellfire.” This means they will not be from
among the humans. So, if this person claims that he is strong and
that he is able to fight against a number of humans, he will not be
able to fight against even one of the angels.
Allah says, “And We have set none but angels as guardians
of the Hellfire.” This means, “We did not make them humans or
jinn.” …So they lie and seek to belittle this number. How can this
great Hellfire, which contains all of these creatures, only be
maintained by nineteen? Allah says, “And We have not made their
number (i.e. 19) except as a trial for those who disbelieve.” Therefore,
no one knows the greatness of the angels and no one knows what
Allah has with Him from armies in the heavens and the earth except
for Allah. Neither these disbelievers nor anyone else knows.”[al-Eeman
bil-Malaaikah wa-Athruhufi-Hayatil-Ummah]
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“Therearealso(other)angelsthathave
responsibilities in this universe that only Allah
hasknowledgeof.There are angels in charge of the
seas, and angels in charge of the days. There are
angels responsible for the winds and angels in
charge of carrying out many other duties.
All of the events that occur in the universe
and that constantly transpire within it on a daily
basis are only by Allah's decree. As for the
angels, they carry out whatever tasks Allah
orders them to execute.” [ end quote from, al-Eeman
bil-Malaaikah wa-Athruhu fi-Hayatil-Ummah by Shaikh
Salih ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan]
Apart from the above, a number of other angels and their duties
have been mentioned in the Ahadeeth of Allah's Messenger. He, who
wishes to read more about their activities on the earth, the heavens,
on the Day of Judgment and beyond should refer to books of
Ahadeeth.
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Why did Allah not send Angels as
Messengers?
The disbelievers have always found it strange that
Allah sent a human as His Messenger and they
said, “Why are not the angels sent down to us, or
why do we not see our Lord?” [Soorah Furqan (25): 21]
Ad-Dahhak reported Ibn Abbas saying,

“When Allah sent Muhammad as a Messenger,

most of the Arabs denied him and his message, and

said, “Allah is greater than sending a human
Messenger like Muhammad.” [Quoted from Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
Allah said concerning such disbelievers, “Indeed, they think
too highly of themselves, and are scornful with great pride.” [Soorah al-
Furqan (25): 21]
The nature of angels is different from the nature of man, and
the Mercy and Wisdom of Allah dictated that Messengers to humans
should be of their own kind.
Imam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) writes in the Tafseer of
the verse (17): 94-95, “Allah says pointing out His Kindness and
Mercy towards His servants, that He sends to them Messengers of
their own kind so that they will understand what he says and will be
able to speak to him directly.
If He were to send to humanity a Messenger from among the
angels, they would not be able to deal with him face to face and learn
from him, as Allah says, “Indeed, Allah conferred a great favour on
the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among
themselves.” [Soorah aal-Imran (3): 164] …Allah says, “Say, ‘If there were
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on the earth, angels walking about in peace and security. We should
certainly have sent down for them from the heaven an angel as a
Messenger,” meaning, one of their own kind. But as you are human,
We have sent to you Messengers from yourselves, as kindness and
mercy.”[end quote]
Allah says in another verse, “And they say, ‘Why has not an
angel been sent down to him?’ Had We sent down an angel, the
matter would have been judged at once, and no respite would be
granted to them. And had We appointed him an angel, We indeed
would have made him a man, and We would have certainly caused
them confusion in a matter which they have already covered with
confusion (i.e. the Message of Prophet Muhammad ).” [Soorah al-
An'am (6): 8-9] meaning, if We had sent an angel along with the human
Messenger, or if We had sent an angel as a Messenger to mankind,
he would be in the shape of a man so that they would be able to
speak to him and benefit from his teachings. In this case, the angel
(in the shape of a human) will also cause confusion for them, just as
the confusion they caused themselves over accepting humans as
Messengers!” [See, Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
Moreover, the disbelievers’ demand to see the angels and to
have a Messenger from among the angels was no more than
stubbornness on their part. It was not a request for guidance, and
even if it were to happen, they would never believe, Allah says, “And
even if We had sent down unto them angels, and the dead had
spoken to them and We had gathered together all things before their
very eyes, they would not have believed…” [Soorah al-An’am (6): 111]
Allah thus, said in reply to the disbelievers’ demand that the
day on which they would see the Angels would be a bad day for
them, because the disbelievers will see the angels when death
approaches or when the punishment is about to befall them, ‘…On
the Day, they will see the angels, no glad tidings will there be for the
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Mujrimoon (criminals, disbelievers, polytheist, sinners, etc.) that
day. And they (angels) will say, ‘All kinds of glad tidings are forbidden
for you,” [Soorah al-Furqan (25): 21-22]
Moreover, seeing and keeping contact with the angels is not
an easy task because the nature and creation of angels is different
from those of the human beings. Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn Abbas
said about the verse (6): 9, “If an angel was sent to them, he would
come in the shape of a man. This is because they will not be able to
look at the angel due to light.” [Quoted from Ibn Katheer]
Although the Prophet was the best of mankind, and
physically and spiritually stronger, when he saw Jibraeel in his
true form, he fainted. Imam Ahmad (1:322) recorded that
Abdullah ibn Abbas said, “The Prophet asked Jibraeel to appear
to him in his original shape and Jibraeel said to him, ‘Invoke your
Lord.’ The Prophet invoked his Lord, the Exalted and Most
Honored, and a huge figure appeared to him from the east and kept
rising and spreading. When the Prophet saw Jibraeel in his
original shape, he fell unconscious. Jibraeel came down and revived
the Prophet and wiped the saliva off his cheeks.”
Another wisdom behind the human origin of
the Messengers is that all the Messengers had the
same attributes as the people to whom they were sent,
such as physical bodies which needed food, drink
and rest. They had experiences similar to that of
other human beings; they enjoyed health and
suffered from sickness, they were exposed to trials
and tribulations and they also faced death. They
had no special divine qualities, power or
strength. Thus, they could become a living
example of the Deen they were sent with. This
also discards any possibility of anyone arguing
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that the nature of the Messengers was different from the humans
and thus, they could effectively accomplish all the duties of the
religion, which are unfeasible for humans to carry out.
So, the disbelievers during the time of the Prophet rejected
the message of Allah’s Messenger because he was a human being
from among themselves and their argument was, “How could a
human being be a Prophet?” for they had seen and touched the
Prophet and knew that he was flesh and blood. They demanded an
angel to be sent as a Prophet to them, thus asserting that an angel is
more suitable to be a Prophet!!
The same thinking has mislead those who claim that the
Prophet was created from Nur (light), which is a characteristic of
the angels. So, their argument is also somewhat similar to that of the
Arab disbelievers, “How could the Prophet be a human?”
Both reject an important characteristic of the Prophets that
they were all humans. Allah says in the Qur'aan, “Is it a wonder for
mankind that we have sent Our revelation to a man from among
themselves.” [Soorah Yunus (10): 2]
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People who
deserve
the
Salaat
of Allah’s

Angels

Angel’s Salaat upon the believers is explained
by Hafidh Ibn Jawzi in two different statements;
First - the Salaat of the Angels is their supplication on behalf

of the slaves of Allah as explained by Abu Aliya.

[See, Saheeh al-Bukharee, The Book of Tafseer]

Second - the Salaat of the Angels

is their seeking forgiveness.

[Zaad al-Maseer (6/398)]

Imam Raghib Asfahani

has combined both these statements and said,

“The Salaat of the Angels is

their supplication and seeking forgiveness.”

[al-Mufarridat fi Gharib al-Qur'aan]
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From the foremost, whose supplication and intercession is accepted
by Allah are the Angels. Such is because Angels are obedient slaves
of their Lord and they supplicate only for those whom Allah likes
that they intercede. Allah says in the Qur'aan, “They speak not until
He (Allah) has spoken, and they act on His Command.” Allah says
further, “…and they cannot intercede (i.e., supplicate on behalf of
someone) except for him with whom He (Allah) is pleased.” [Soorah al-
Ambiya (21): 26]
Two fundamental conditions of Shifa’ah (intercession) are;
a) No one can intercede except with the Permission of Allah,
b) Nobody can intercede except on behalf of whom Allah permits
and is Pleased with, as Allah says in Soorah Saba (34): 23,
“Intercession with Him profits not, except for him whom He
permits.”
Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) writes, “Allah tells us that the
angels in the heavens, those who are close to Him and others, are all
servants who submit humbly to Allah. They do not intercede with
Him except by His Permission for someone with whom He is pleased.
They are not like the princes and ministers of their (the idolater’s)
kings who intercede with them without their permission for both;
those whom the kings like and those whom they hate…” [See, Tafseer
Ibn Katheer (39): 1-4] Thus, “…verses (that mention this fundamental
condition of intercession) assert Allah’s Greatness, Pride, and Grace,
and that no one dares to intercede with Him on behalf of anyone
else, except by His permission.” [See, Tafseer Ibn Katheer (21): 28]
Accordingly, in order to achieve the intercession of the
creation, it is first required to please Allah by adhering to the
requirements of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) and not committing any
form of Shirk. When Abu Hurayrah asked the Prophet , “Who will
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be the happiest of people to receive your
intercession?” He said, “Whoever said, 'La ilaha
illa Allah' sincerely with pure intention from his
heart.” [Quoted from Kitab at-Tawheed by Muhammad ibn
Wahhab]
Shaikhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah
(rahimahullah) writes in Iqtida Sirat al-Mustaqeem
explaining this hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah , ‘So, the
more sincerely one recites this statement (i.e. La
ilaha illAllah), the more deserving he would be of the
intercession. However, one who puts his trust in some
fellow creature (for intercession) looking forward to
him and fearing him, would have no share in the
intercession.
When one approaches someone for recommending the case
of another, he does not take prior permission to do so. Rather, one
does it in the belief that the person approached, being indebted to
him, would consider favorable the recommendation. However, Allah
is above everyone, being the Master and Ruler of everyone, hence,
one cannot intercede with him without His prior leave.
He, Himself, grants someone this privilege and accepts his
intercession. This is akin to the process of dua (supplication), in that
He prompts one to ask something and then grants the same. This
Right is of Allah Alone.
It is worth reflecting that the one taken by someone as his
intercessor may decline to do so or be forbidden by Allah to do so or
his request be turned down. The most exalted human beings are
Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Ibraheem . Yet, Prophet
Muhammad ceased to supplicate for his dear uncle Abu Talib, not
withstanding his earlier statement that he would seek forgiveness
for him unless forbidden from it. The Prophet offered funeral
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prayer for some hypocrites and prayed for their forgiveness but he
was forbidden to do so by Allah, “And never (O Muhammad) pray
(funeral prayer) for any of them (hypocrites) who dies, nor stand at
his grave. Certainly they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger,
and died while they were Fasiqoon (rebellious, - disobedient to Allah
and His Messenger).” [Soorah Tawbah (9): 84]
“Whether you (O Muhammad) ask forgiveness for them
(hypocrites) or ask not forgiveness for them... (And even) if you ask
seventy times for their forgiveness... Allah will not forgive them,
because they have disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger
(Muhammad). And Allah guides not those people who are Fasiqoon
(rebellious, disobedient to Allah).” [Soorah at-Tawbah (9): 80] After this
revelation, the Prophet remarked, “Were I to know that they would
be forgiven if I had asked more than seventy times for their
forgiveness, I would have done so.” Subsequently, the following
verse was revealed, “It is equal to them whether you (Muhammad)
ask forgiveness or ask not forgiveness for them. Verily, Allah guides
not the people who are the Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to
Allah).” [Soorah al-Munafiqun (63): 6]
Let us now turn our attention to Prophet Ibraheem's story.
He had promised his father that he would ask forgiveness on his
behalf. However, when Ibrahim realized that his father was Allah's
enemy, he recanted his earlier stance, as the Qur'aan recounts, “It is
not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask Allah's
Forgiveness for the Mushrikoon (polytheist, idolaters, pagans,
disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) even though they be of kin, after
it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire
(because they died in a state of disbelief). And (Ibraheem's) invoking
(of Allah) for his father's forgiveness was only because of a promise
he had made to him (his father). But when it became clear to him
(Ibraheem) that he (his father) is an enemy to Allah, he distanced
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himself from him.” '[Soorah Tawbah (9): 113-114] [end
quote]
So, no intercession will be of benefit to
someone who commits Shirk or one who leads
his life in disobedience to Allah while simply
holding on to the false hope that he will be
pardoned due to the intercession of Allah’s
Messenger or someone else.
One should always remember that
intercession is an honor bestowed by Allah on His
Messengers and pious slaves. When Allah Wills to
forgive the sins of His slaves, He might make
intercession of His pious slaves a means to forgive a
sinful person, thus forgiving His sinful slave and
honoring His pious slave.
Texts of the Qur'aan and the Sunnah mention the
characteristics of such fortunate people, for whom the
Angels are permitted to intercede, seek forgiveness and
ask Allah's blessings for them. It also cites those
unfortunate people, whom the Angels invoke against, and
ask Allah to cause their destruction and failure.
In order to encourage incorporating the good
qualities that make one worthy of Angel's Salaat, and to
warn against those destructive traits that cause one to
deserve Angel's La'nah, we have collected a few Ahadeeth
that speak on the subject.
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People who
sleepin a state of purity
Allah's Messenger said, “Purify these bodies and
Allah will purify you. There is no one who sleeps in a
state of purity except that an Angel accompanies
him for the night. He (the slave of Allah) does not
turn his side (during his sleep) except that the Angel
says, “O Allah, forgive your slave because he slept in a
state of purity.” [Fath al-Baree. Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr
(rahimahullah) has declared its chain of narrators as ‘good’
(Jayyid)]
Moreover, when this person awakens from his sleep, the
same Angel seeks forgiveness for him. Allah’s Messenger said,
“An Angel accompanies him, who sleeps in a state of purity and he
does not awaken from his sleep except that the Angel says, ‘O
Allah forgive your slave (and he mentions his name) because he
slept in a state of purity.’” [Silsilah Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah]
These two Ahadeeth mention two merits for the one who
sleeps in the state of purity,
(a) An Angel accompanies him throughout the night; and what
a great merit is it to receive the company of an Angel!
(b) During the night, whenever the slave of Allah turns in bed,
the Angel seeks forgiveness for him.
These are not the only two benefits of sleeping in a state of purity.
The Prophet said, “There is no Muslim who sleeps in a state of
purity while mentioning the remembrance of Allah and wakes up
during the night and asks any blessing of this world or the
Hereafter except that Allah grants his request.” [Sunan Abu Dawood]
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People who eagerly
await
the subsequent
prayer
Allah's Messenger said, “(When) One of you awaits
the Salaat without breaking his ablution, he is in the
state of prayer. The Angels supplicate for him, ‘O
Allah, forgive him. O Allah, have Mercy upon him.’”
[Saheeh Muslim]
Allahu Akbar! Such great reward for such a simple
and easy deed - The slave of Allah merely awaits the
prayer and the rewards of performing prayers are recorded in his
deeds, and the Angels seek forgiveness and blessings of Allah for
him!! Fortunate people used to and still preserve this magnificent
deed.
A splendid story in this regard is the one mentioned by
Imam Ibnul-Mubarak (rahimahullah) from Ataa ibn Saaib
(rahimahullah) that he said, “We visited Abu Abdur-Rahman Salma
(whose name was Abdullah ibn Habib) and he was on the verge of
death in the mosque. We suggested to him to move to his house,
which would be more comfortable. To which he replied, “Such and
such person has informed me that Allah's Messenger said,
‘Whoever amongst you stays in the mosque awaiting the prayer is in
the state of prayer.’
And in the narration of Imam Ibn Sad, the Messenger of
Allah said, “and the Angels say, ‘O Allah, forgive him. O Allah, have
Mercy on him.’” And then he (Abu Abdur-Rahman Salma) said, “So,
I want to die while I am in the mosque.” [Tabaqaat al-Kubra, 6/174-175]
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People who
prayin the
first rowof congregation
Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah) relates from Baraa
, “The Messenger of Allah used to say, “Verily,
Allah and His Angels send Salaat upon (the people of)
the first row.” [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood]
The saying of Baraa , “The Messenger of Allah
used to say” means that Allah's Messenger
repeatedly mentioned this statement.
The saying of Allah's Messenger once is enough to
establish the authenticity of any statement, but when the
Messenger of Allah repeatedly mentions an issue, then how firm
and potential would the matter be?
Frequent mentioning of the issue also indicates the
keenness of Allah's Messenger for the people of his Ummah to
achieve the great rewards of praying in the first row. Numerous
ahadeeth can be found on the subject. From amongst them is the
narration recorded in Saheeh al-Bukharee from Abu Hurayrah ,
“…If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan (call for
prayer) and for standing in the first row (in the congregational
prayer) and found no other way to get it except by drawing lots, they
would do so…” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
Imam Ahmad recorded the Hadeeth which mentions the
Salaat of Angels upon the second row of congregation along with the
first row. Allah's Messenger said, “Verily, Allah and His Angels
send Salaat upon the first row.” They (the Sahabah) said, “O
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Messenger of Allah! (What about) the second row?” Allah's
Messenger said, “Verily, Allah and His Angels send Salaat upon the
(people of) the first row.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah! the
second row?” The Messenger of Allah said, “and on the second
row.”[Saheeh at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (1/269)]
Along with proving that Allah and His Angels send Salaat
upon the second row, this Hadeeth also proves the excellence of the
first row over the second row, for Allah's Messenger mentioned
that Allah and His Angels send Salaat upon the first row twice.
The excellence of other leading rows is also mentioned in the
Hadeeth recorded by Imam Abu Dawood from Baraa ibn Azib ,
who narrated that Allah's Messenger said, “Verily, Allah and His
Angels send Salaat upon the first rows.” [Saheeh Sunan Abu Dawood,
1/130]
People who
stand
on the
right sideof the Imam
in the congregation
The Messenger of Allah said, “Verily, Allah and His
Angels send Salaat upon (the people) of right side of
the rows.” [Hafidh Ibn Hajr has declared this Hadeeth as, hasan.
See, Fathul-Baree (2/213)]
The Sahabah were always eager to stand on the
right-hand side of the Prophet in congregational
prayers. Baraa said, “When we prayed behind the Prophet, we
cherished to be on his right side so that his face would turn towards
us (at the end of the prayer)…” [Saheeh Muslim]
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People who
complete
the
rowsof congregational prayer
The Angels send Salaat upon those, who join the
lines and stand shoulder-to-shoulder and toe-to-toe
in congregational prayers while leaving no place in
between. Two Ahadeeth from many on the subject have
been quoted below, Aa'isha (radhi allahu anha) reports
from the Messenger of Allah , “Verily, Allah and His
Angels send Salaat upon those who complete the rows, and whoever
fills a gap (in a row), Allah will raise his status because of it.” [Saheeh
Sunan Ibn Majah]
Imam Ibn Khuzaymah relates from Baraa ibn Azib ,
“Allah's Messenger would walk from one corner of the row to the
other and touch our chests and shoulders (in order to straighten our
lines) and say, ‘Don't split (your rows) (or Allah may) split your
hearts.’” [Saheeh at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb] Therefore, the Sahabah used
to preserve their lines of congregation.
Imam Bukharee (rahimahullah) records from Anas Ibn
Malik that Allah's Messenger said, “Straighten your rows, for I
see you from behind my back.” Anas added, “Each one of us used to
put his shoulder with the shoulder of his companion and his foot
with the foot of his companion.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
- 63

�
�
People who perform
Fajr&Asrin congregation
Angels of night and Angels of day gather at (the time
of) Fajr and Asr prayers. At the time of Fajr prayer,
Angels of night ascend and Angels of day descend, and
at the time of Asr prayer, the Angels of day ascend and
Angels of night descend (and) their Lord asks them, “In
what state did you leave my slaves?” They reply, “We
descended and they were praying, and we left them while they were
praying, so forgive them on the Day of Judgment.”[See, Musnad Ahmad]
People who keep
seatedat the placeof Salaat
after concluding it
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of
Allah said, “Anyone amongst you who sat in a
place of worship waiting for the prayer is in prayer
and his ablution is not broken, the angels invoke
blessing upon him (in these words), “O Allah! pardon
him. O Allah! have mercy upon him.”[Saheeh Muslim]
- 64

Question: Is it necessary that one keeps seated in the place of one's
Salaat in the mosque in order to receive the Angels’ Salaat, or one
would still receive this merit if he were to move to another place in
the mosque?
Hafidh Ibn Hajr writes explaining a similar Hadeeth in
Fathul-Baree (2/136), “the intent of the saying of Allah's Messenger,
'at the place of Salaat' is the same place, where a person performs his
Salaat. This has been said considering the general situation.
However, if one moves to another place with the intention of awaiting
the next prayer, then he will be eligible for the same reward.”
Question: Can women praying in their own houses also achieve the
Salaat of Angels by sitting at the place of prayer?
Allamah Ibn Baz answered a similar question in the
affirmative: Is reading the Qur'aan after Fajr prayer in one's home
equal in reward to performing the same deed in the mosque?
Answer: “This is a greatly rewarded deed, but the words of the
Hadeeth indicate that the reward is for those who perform the deed
in the place of one’s prayer in the mosque. However, if someone due
to some sickness or fear, performs the Fajr Salaat in the house,
reads the Qur'aan or glorifies Allah while being seated in the place of
prayer until sunrise and then performs two raka'ah of prayer
Insha’Allah, he will achieve the rewards mentioned in the Hadeeth,
because he has performed the prayer in the house due to reasons
recognized by the Sharee'ah.
Similarly, if a woman performs the Fajr Salaat in the house,
reads the Qur'aan or glorifies Allah while being seated in the place of
prayer until sunrise and then performs two raka'ah of prayer, then
she will also achieve the rewards mentioned in the hadeeth.” [Majmo
Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi li-Shaikh Ibn Baaz (11/403)]
- 65

�
�
�
People who complete the
recitationof the Qur’aan
Imam Darmi (rahimahullah) relates from Sa'd , “If
the recitation of the Qur'aan is completed in the first
part of the night then the Angels send Salaat upon
the reciter until the end part of the night.
And if the recitation of the Qur'aan is completed in
the last part of the night, then the Angels send Salaat
upon the reciter until the evening.
So, perhaps, one of us had some part of the
Qur'aanic recitation remaining, then he would delay it until the
evening or morning.” [Sunan ad-Darmi, Imam Darmi has declared this
narration ‘hasan’ ]
People who send
Salaatupon the Prophet
The Messenger of Allah said, ‘There is no person
who sends blessings on me, except that the angels
send blessings on him so long as he sends blessings
on me. So, let the person do a little of that or a lot.”
[Saheeh al-Jamee (5/174)]
Allah’s Messenger has encouraged us to send
more and more blessings upon him by mentioning it's
immense virtues.
- 66

�
�
�
�
Imam Tirmidhee (rahimahullah) reported that
Abi ibn Kab related, “O Messenger of Allah! I want to increase
sending Salaat upon you. So (guide me as to), how much part
of my Dua (supplication) should I dedicate for it (i.e., sending
Salaat upon you)?”
He said, “As much as you like.”
I said, “one-forth?”
He said, “As much as you like, but if you increase, it will be better
for you.”
I said, “Half?”
for you.”
I said, “Two-thirds.”
for you.” I said, “Should I dedicated all of my supplication (for
sending Salaat upon you)?”
He said, “Then, all your worries will be taken care of and your
sins will be forgiven.” [Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee (2/299)]
Another narration recorded by Imam Ahmad from Abi ibn
Ka'ab states, “A man said, ‘What is your opinion if I were to dedicate
all of my supplication for sending Salaat upon you?” The Messenger
of Allah said, “then, all your worries of the world and the Hereafter
will be taken care of.” [at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (2/501)]
- 67

�
People who spend

for a

good cause
The Prophet said, “Every day two angels descend
from heaven and one of them says, “O Allah!
Compensate every person who spends in Your
Cause,” and the other (angel) says, “O Allah! Destroy
every miser.” [Saheeh Bukharee]
Hafidh Ibn Hajr (rahimahullah) has mentioned an
excellent point while explaining the Hadeeth. He says
that the Angel does not restrict the recompense of the
spent money. The wisdom behind it is that the compensation could
be in the form of anything, wealth, reward or something else.
There are many people, who spend for a good cause but
leave the world before any compensation (of their money) reaches
them in the form of wealth; and their share is allocated until the
Hereafter in the form of reward or (for some people) their
compensation is in the form of being saved from hardships.” [Fathul-
Baree, (3/305)]
- 68

� �
�
�
�
�
People who maintain
the Sunnah of
Suhoor
Narrated Ibn Umar , “Allah's Messenger said,
“Verily, Allah and His Angels send Salaat upon those
who eat the Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal of fasting).”
[Saheeh at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (1/519)]
Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said that Allah's
Messenger said, “The Suhoor is a meal of blessings,
so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a (gulp) of
water, since Allah sends Mercy, and His Angels seek
forgiveness for those who take the Suhoor.” [Reported by Ahmad
(3/12 and 44) and Ibn Abee Shaibah (3/8) and their isnads support each other]
This Hadeeth shows the Prophet’s keenness for his Ummah
to receive the Mercy of Allah and His forgiveness, which is why he
encouraged us to drink even a sip of water for Suhoor.
People who
maintain their
fastseven though
food is served before them
Ammarah relates that Allah's Messenger visited
him at his house. A number of other companions
also gathered there, who were served dates. One man
isolated himself.
Allah's Messenger inquired, “What is the matter with
him?”
- 69

�
�
�
�
The man replied, “I am fasting.”

So, the Prophet said, “There is no fasting person before whom

people eat except that Angels send Salaat upon him until they

leave.”[Musnad Ahmad (7/370)]

Shaikh Ahmad Abdur-Rahman al-Banna said while
explaining the words of Allah's Messenger, “The Angels send Salaat
upon him,” - “Angels send Salaat upon him because he practices
patience even though food is served before him, and especially
because (in this situation) his heart will be persuaded towards the
food and fasting would become difficult for him.” [Buloogh al-Amani
(9/217). Also, see Tuhfatul-Awadhi (2/67)]
People who
visittheir sick Muslim brethren
The Prophet said, “There is no man who visits a
sick person in the evening, but seventy thousand
angels go out with him, and pray for his forgiveness
until the morning, and he will have provision in
Paradise. And whoever goes to him in the morning,
seventy thousand Angels go with him, and they pray
for forgiveness for him until the evening, and he will
have provision in Paradise.” [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood]
Allah's Messenger has encouraged his Ummah to visit the
sick by mentioning many other virtues of this deed. For example, he
said, “He, who visits a sick remains under the blessings of Allah
until he returns, and if he sits (near the sick) then he has been
drowned in it (i.e., in the blessing).” [Shaikh al-Albanee has declared this
Hadeeth as Saheeh (authentic). See, Hamish Mishkat al-Masabih (1/497)]
- 70

�
�
�
�
Umm Salamah (radhi allahu anha) reported
Allah's Messenger saying, “Whenever you visit
the sick or the dead, supplicate for good because
Angels say, 'Ameen,' to whatever you say…”
[Saheeh Muslim]
Imam an-Nawawi (rahimahullah) said,
“This Hadeeth indicates that only good should be
spoken at such a place. One should seek Allah's
Forgiveness and Mercy (for the sick or the dead) and
supplicate for leniency and compassion with
them...” [Sharh Nawawi]
People who
preach goodto others
Two kinds of people were mentioned before the
Prophet ; an aabid (worshiper) and an aalim
(knowledgeable). He said, “...Verily, Allah and His
Angels and inhabitants of the heavens and the
earths, even the ant in its hole and even the fish send
Salaat upon the preacher of good.” [Saheeh Sunan
Tirmidhee]
The meaning of, “the preacher of good” in this
Hadeeth signifies the knowledge of the religion and the
knowledge, which relates to the success of the people. The Prophet
only mentioned the preacher of good so that it becomes evident that
only those preachers, who lead the people to good are worthy of such
Salaat.” [See, Mirkat al-Mafateh (1/473)]
- 71

�
Angels says, ‘Ameen’
to the Dua of those who pray
for their absent fellow Muslim
It is narrated from Abu Darda that the Prophet
said, “The Dua of a person for his Muslim brother
in his absence will be answered. At his head there
is an angel, and every time he prays for him for
something good, the angel who has been appointed
to be with him, says, ‘Ameen, may you have
likewise.’” [Saheeh Muslim]
In light of this Hadeeth, two kinds of people
achieve the merit of the Angel's saying, ‘Ameen’. First are those
absent Muslims for whom the supplication is performed because
the Angel says, ‘Ameen’ for such a supplication, which means, ‘O
Allah, accept this Dua for the absent Muslim.”
The second category of people are those who supplicate for
the absent Muslims because the Angel says, “and for you too”
after, 'Ameen,' meaning may Allah grant you the same.
Imam an-Nawawi (rahimahullah) writes in the
explanation of this Hadeeth, “The excellence of supplicating for the
absent Muslims is mentioned in this Hadeeth. This merit will be
achieved even if one were to supplicate for a group of Muslims.
Also, if one supplicates for the whole Muslim Ummah, he will have
achieved the same advantage, as is known from the apparent
meaning of the Hadeeth.
Qadhi Ayaz (rahimahullah) relates, “If the Salaf wanted to
beseech Allah for something with regards to oneself, then they
would supplicate to Allah with the same on behalf of their Muslim
- 72

brethren because such a supplication is accepted and the Angel
supplicates for the supplicant.” [Sharh an-Nawawi]
Hafidh Dhahabi (rahimahullah) relates from Umm ad-
Darda that Abu Darda had 380 Muslim friends, for whom he
would supplicate in his prayer. His wife inquired about the issue
and he replied, “Shouldn't I desire that the Angels supplicate for
me.” [Siyar A’lam an-Nubula]
Angels seek forgiveness
for believers who repent
In Soorah al-Ghafir, Allah tells us that the
bearers of the Throne and the Angels who are
around the Throne glorify their Lord and submit
themselves to Him, and they pray for the
forgiveness of believers especially those who
repent. “Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah)
and those around it, glorify the praises of their Lord
and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those
who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying), “Our
Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so
forgive those who repent and follow Your Way. and save them from
the torment of the blazing Fire! Our Lord! And make them enter
the And (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens) which you have
promised them, and to the righteous among their fathers, their
wives, and their offspring! Verily, You are the All-Mighty, the All-
Wise. And save them from (the punishment, because of what they
did of) the sins, and whomsoever You save from (the punishment,
because of what they did of the sins (i.e. excuse them) that Day,
him verily, You have taken into mercy.’ And that is the supreme
success.” [Soorah al-Ghafir (40): 7-9]
- 73

Unfortunate
people who
deserve
the
La’nah
of Allah’s
Angels
Imam Raghib Asfahani (rahimahullah) cited,

“La'nah means to get angry, condemn and repel.

The La'nah of Allah is

His punishment on the Day of Judgment

and in this world (it means)

discontinuation of His Blessings and guidance.

The La'nah of one person for the other

is the supplication of the former against the latter.”

[al-Mufarridat fi Gharib al-Qur'aan, p.451]
- 74

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